[Interactions between physical training and pharmacologic treatment in the prevention of ventricular remodelling in...

Exercise training is a recommended treatment for chronic heart failure. So far, randomized clinical trials showed that exercise training can improve peak oxygen consumption and reduce neurohormonal and adrenergic activation, nevertheless, the effect on left ventricular remodeling is still controversial. The present study reviewed the randomized clinical trials that investigated the effects of exercise training on left ventricular remodeling. After a first study that showed a worsening of left ventricular function, the following studies showed a neutral effect, and finally, the ELVD-CHF study showed both a reduction in left ventricular dilation and an improvement of ejection fraction. These different results could be explained by the pharmacological treatment before exercise training: in the first study patients did not assume ACE-inhibitors, in the following studies most patients assumed ACE-inhibitors and, finally, in ELVD-CHF, patients assumed ACE-inhibitors and about one fifth of them were on beta-blockers too. In conclusion, exercise training may improve peak oxygen consumption and reduce neurohormonal and adrenergic activation in patients with chronic heart failure. Further studies are necessary to assess if exercise training, associated with ACE-inhibitors and beta-blockers, can reverse or prevent left ventricular remodeling.